Kazakhstan Boosts Science and Education Sector with New Law: Enhanced Payments, Scholarships, and Commercialization of Science Outcomes
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a law introducing amendments and additions to certain legislative acts of Kazakhstan related to science and education, as reported by the press service of Akorda on May 6.
The first set of amendments aims to enhance the financial status of educators and researchers in the country. Individuals with specific academic degrees and titles will receive additional payments ranging from 92,300 tenge (US$210) to 184,600 tenge ($419). This includes those with degrees such as Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Science, Candidate of Sciences, and the academic title of Associate Professor. Monthly stipends will also be available for scientists conducting research at their primary workplaces, with scholarships funded by the investment income of higher and postgraduate education institutions’ endowment fund for promising young scientists under the age of 40.
The second aspect of the amendments focuses on educational benefits for military personnel. Quotas have been established for educational grants to support their training at higher education and postgraduate institutions after completing their mandatory military service.
The third part of the legislative changes addresses projects aimed at commercializing scientific and technical outcomes funded by business entities. This includes providing local executive bodies with responsibilities to implement state policies concerning science and scientific activities in their regions, with a focus on creating favorable environments to support advancements in these fields.
